When she was just 10 years old, Eman Seyal was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis and Sjogren’s Syndrome, autoimmune disorders that left her frequently in pain. 

“I understand the mental health toll that being in pain takes. I know what it’s like to have dark days and dark moments,” the Trumbull High School junior says. 

But like so many others who are familiar with struggle, Eman has found a way to channel her ongoing health challenges in service to others.  And the $500 grant she received from My Friend Abby has helped her complete one of the two projects she’s developed.

Her first, Hearts of Hope, was designed to bring hope and positive energy to women who had been victims of domestic violence. She created 100 beaded necklaces with a wooden heart pendant, upon which was inscribed a poem she wrote about strength and resilience. Strung on colorful ribbons, the necklaces are meant to show support to women starting a new life with the help of the Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport.

“We will include these lovingly handmade and beautiful necklaces as part of a welcome kit for new clients moving into Kathie’s Place, our domestic violence safe house,” noted Beth Fitzpatrick, the Center’s community relation’s coordinator. “It is our hope that when our clients receive them, they will feel cared for and supported as they begin the journey to rebuild their lives after the trauma of abuse. We are especially touched that Eman was inspired to think of our clients and take on this project at a relatively young age. We are always grateful when young adults take an interest in supporting our mission.”

Eman’s Ally for Angels club is one she hopes to get off the ground this year. A school club with roughly 21 members so far, Ally for Angels will focus on children hospitalized for various reasons. “Those who suffer with medical issues often experience stress and depression,” says Eman. By connecting with them, “we will be able to provide them with an opportunity to step away from the world of their troubles and understand that they have friends who care about them, and also give them something to look forward to as a motivation to persist through their challenges, ultimately improving their mental and emotional health.”

All in all, Eman says that working on these two projects has helped her as well as others. “Giving some light to others who struggle has been such a beautiful reward for me,” she says.